No-right-on-red signs need to be consistent, city says

Published: Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 8:09 p.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 8:09 p.m.

Keith Berg wrote about a “no-right-turn-on-red” light on Southwest Second Avenue at 13th Street at that drivers face if they are westbound on Second and in the right turn lane at 13th.

The right-turn prohibition is activated early Sunday mornings, when traffic is minimal. But it is not on at other times, such as weekday evenings, Berg said.

“And of course traffic at this time is still quite busy, far more so than early Sunday a.m.,” Berg said. “If this works as intended, I’d love to hear the explanation for it!”

Matthew S. Weisman, Gainesville traffic operations engineer, said some debate occurred as to when the light should be activated.

The University of Florida wanted full-time no-turn-on-red signs at intersections from Southwest Eighth Avenue to University Avenue because of heavy pedestrian traffic.

“After some discussion, it was agreed upon to install these variable signs during daylight hours only, or 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 7 days a week,” Weisman said in an email. “So while we may get the occasional complaint about certain hours on certain days, usually these sorts of things require day-to-day consistency so drivers and pedestrians have a certain expectation. On another note, we will be replacing the rest of the older NRTOR signs to the newer, brighter style city-wide over the next few weeks.”

<p>Keith Berg wrote about a “no-right-turn-on-red” light on Southwest Second Avenue at 13th Street at that drivers face if they are westbound on Second and in the right turn lane at 13th.</p><p>The right-turn prohibition is activated early Sunday mornings, when traffic is minimal. But it is not on at other times, such as weekday evenings, Berg said.</p><p>“And of course traffic at this time is still quite busy, far more so than early Sunday a.m.,” Berg said. “If this works as intended, I'd love to hear the explanation for it!”</p><p>Matthew S. Weisman, Gainesville traffic operations engineer, said some debate occurred as to when the light should be activated.</p><p>The University of Florida wanted full-time no-turn-on-red signs at intersections from Southwest Eighth Avenue to University Avenue because of heavy pedestrian traffic.</p><p>“After some discussion, it was agreed upon to install these variable signs during daylight hours only, or 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., 7 days a week,” Weisman said in an email. “So while we may get the occasional complaint about certain hours on certain days, usually these sorts of things require day-to-day consistency so drivers and pedestrians have a certain expectation. On another note, we will be replacing the rest of the older NRTOR signs to the newer, brighter style city-wide over the next few weeks.”</p>